More than a week after suspending the issuance of driver's licenses due to a row with its supplier, the Land Transportation Office admitted Thursday it still cannot release the licenses in at least seven areas.

 

LTO Metro Manila head Teofilo Guadiz III said motorists may have to remain patient until the situation normalizes, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported.

 

Guadiz was quoted in the report as saying the LTO Metro Manila offices that still cannot issue the licenses include:

 

 

Last week, the LTO said it would issue temporary licenses and waive penalties for license applicants as it continues to sort out the mess involving a surprise design change implemented by a contractor.

 

The LTO suspended indefinitely the issuance of drivers' licenses due to a surprise design change by the contractor, Amalgamated Motors Philippines Inc.

 

LTO head Virginia Torres also said she has ordered the supplier to immediately revert to the old features.

 

GMA News Online tried to contact AMPI Thursday but its spokesperson Melanie Cuevas declined a request for interview for the moment.

 

In a press statement issued earlier, Cuevas said the company has not issued new driver’s license cards with the new design.

She added the issuance of driver’s licenses was partly delayed by a glitch caused by AMPI’s computer system upgrade. –KG, GMA News